Category: National

Live reviews of act traveling through Denver, many published originally on Denver Post Reverb

Ween @ Red Rocks, 09/06/09 – Reverb
September 9, 2009 Off

Ween @ Red Rocks, 09/06/09 – Reverb

By Billy Thieme

Ween have . . . aged well (only too evident in Gene’s now-grey, newly short hair), and comfortably wield many varying musical styles with aplomb. Their tight grasp on the building blocks of so many genres, arguably born out of a deep-seated irreverence for all of them, has given them the ability to create true-sounding originals full of wit, charm and sarcasm, with mere hints of mockery.

Modest Mouse @ The Fillmore, Sept. 2, 2009 – Reverb
September 5, 2009 Off

Modest Mouse @ The Fillmore, Sept. 2, 2009 – Reverb

By Billy Thieme

I love it when two drummers can pull it off playing together, and Green and Plummer played as if they were one — with the benefit of eight limbs. At the same time Fairchild’s guitar performance came as close as possible to actually replacing Johnny Marr, arguably one of indie rock’s most innovative players.

The Flaming Lips bury Red Rocks with confetti, lasers and peace
August 25, 2009 Off

The Flaming Lips bury Red Rocks with confetti, lasers and peace

By Billy Thieme

Having seen the Flaming Lips some 12 times over the past 15 years, the question I kept pondering before their next appearance was “How are they ever going to be able to top the last one?”
Since their appearances on the side stage in 1994’s Lollapalooza tour – the last time they put on any type of “regular” show – the Oklahoma natives seem to out-do themselves on every tour. August 23rd’s Red Rocks show was no exception.

Spot @ The Meadowlark, August 21, 2009 – Reverb
August 24, 2009 Off

Spot @ The Meadowlark, August 21, 2009 – Reverb

By Billy Thieme

did have some idea of what type of music Spot would offer up that night, though, and he did not disappoint. In fact, his skill, jovial charisma and simple, blues-driven, folky punk did everything to completely wipe away any preconceived images I may have had, and replaced them with an almost loving respect for the gentleman musician he really was.

Mr. Black Francis @ The Walnut Room, July 29, 2009 – Reverb
July 31, 2009 Off

Mr. Black Francis @ The Walnut Room, July 29, 2009 – Reverb

By Billy Thieme

Black Francis — a.k.a. Frank Black, a.k.a. the leader of alt- and indie heroes the Pixies — is a storyteller. His ability to thread a yarn through rambling, surrealist lyrics is only exceeded by his talent in wrangling pure and simple rock that’s a worthy backdrop for them.